CAJUN

CAJUN, sometimes Cajan.
1. Also Cajun French. A dialect of French in southern Louisiana, developed from the regional French carried there in the 18c by immigrants expelled from Acadia in Canada. Cajun is one of three kinds of local French: Louisiana Standard French, Cajun, and CREOLE. All three are spoken varieties, although the now rare standard form is written for ceremonial occasions. Creole developed from the French-based creole brought by black slaves from the Caribbean. Cajun and Creole are spoken side by side and have been influenced by each other and by English.

2. Also Cajun English. The English that has arisen in the 23 parishes of Louisiana called Acadiana, where about 16% of the population still speaks Cajun French. Several characteristics are borrowings or translations from French, such as cher as a term of endearment, make (compare French faire) as an auxiliary verb (He made closed the door), hair as a count noun (I have to wash my hairs: compare French cheveux), and the object pronoun used for emphasis at the beginning or end of a sentence (Me, I'm going to the store; I was late, me: compare moi).

3. Someone descended from the original immigrants, especially if living in Acadiana and speaking Cajun French and English. Cajuns are known for devotion to family life, Roman Catholicism, hunting and fishing, and ‘passing’ a good time. Their cuisine and music enjoy widespread popularity in the US, as manifestations of the Cajun motto: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! See AMERICAN ENGLISH.